Techniques and arrangements that utilize speckle imaging and autocorrelation to estimate the PSF of an image sensor for a digital imaging apparatus, e.g., a camera or a scanner. In particular, a system of components described herein is a simple arrangement that does not require a complex setup. Therefore, the system is portable and easy to set up. Additionally, by utilizing autocorrelation, the calculations of PSF using data obtained by the system are simplified.
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2. The method of claim 1, wherein calculating the PSF based on pixel intensity values of the image via autocorrelation of the pixel intensity values comprises performing autocorrelation of the pixel intensity values in the spatial domain.
This invention relates to image processing, specifically to methods for calculating the point spread function (PSF) of an imaging system. The PSF describes how the system blurs a point light source, which is critical for tasks like deconvolution and image restoration. A key challenge in PSF estimation is accurately capturing the blur characteristics from the image data itself, particularly when direct measurement is impractical. The method involves calculating the PSF by analyzing pixel intensity values in an image through autocorrelation. Autocorrelation measures the similarity of the image intensity values with shifted copies of itself, revealing periodic or repeating patterns that correspond to the system's blur characteristics. By performing this autocorrelation in the spatial domain—directly on the pixel values without transforming them into another domain—computational efficiency is improved while maintaining accuracy. This approach is particularly useful in applications where the PSF is unknown or varies across the image, such as in microscopy, astronomy, or medical imaging. The spatial-domain autocorrelation avoids the need for Fourier transforms, simplifying implementation and reducing computational overhead. The resulting PSF can then be used to correct or enhance the image by reversing the blur effects.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein calculating the PSF based on pixel intensity values of the image via autocorrelation of the pixel intensity values comprises performing autocorrelation of the pixel intensity values in the frequency domain.
This invention relates to image processing, specifically methods for calculating the point spread function (PSF) of an imaging system. The PSF describes how the system blurs a point light source, which is critical for tasks like deconvolution and image restoration. A key challenge is accurately estimating the PSF from captured images, particularly when the true PSF is unknown or varies across the image. The method involves calculating the PSF by analyzing pixel intensity values in an image. Specifically, it performs autocorrelation of these intensity values in the frequency domain. Autocorrelation measures the similarity of the image to itself at different offsets, revealing periodic patterns or blurring effects. By computing this in the frequency domain, the method leverages Fourier transforms to efficiently process large datasets and extract the PSF. This approach is particularly useful for systems where the PSF is spatially invariant or can be approximated as such. The frequency-domain autocorrelation may involve transforming the image into the frequency domain, computing the autocorrelation, and then transforming back to the spatial domain to obtain the PSF. This technique improves accuracy and computational efficiency compared to spatial-domain methods, especially for high-resolution images. The method may also include preprocessing steps like noise reduction or normalization to enhance PSF estimation.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the laser light source is configured to create a sufficiently large spot of light on the diffuser that generates a required speckle size of the image.
This invention relates to laser projection systems and addresses the challenge of speckle noise in projected images, which degrades visual quality. Speckle occurs when coherent laser light interacts with diffusers, creating interference patterns that appear as grainy artifacts. The invention improves image quality by controlling the speckle size through precise laser spot sizing on a diffuser. The system uses a laser light source directed at a diffuser to project an image. The laser light source is configured to create a sufficiently large spot of light on the diffuser, which generates a speckle pattern with a controlled size. By adjusting the spot size, the system ensures the speckle size matches the required dimensions for optimal image clarity. This approach reduces visible speckle noise without additional optical components, improving projection quality in applications like displays, holography, and medical imaging. The method leverages the relationship between laser spot size and speckle formation to achieve consistent, high-quality projections.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the laser signal is a divergent laser signal.
A system and method for optical communication involves transmitting a laser signal through a medium, such as air or water, to establish a communication link. The laser signal is modulated with data and directed toward a receiver. To improve signal quality and reliability, the laser signal is configured as a divergent beam, which spreads out as it propagates. This divergence helps mitigate the effects of atmospheric turbulence, scattering, or other distortions that could degrade the signal. The divergent beam ensures that a portion of the signal remains detectable even if parts of the beam are obstructed or scattered. The system may include a transmitter with a laser source and a beam-shaping element, such as a lens or diffuser, to control the divergence. The receiver captures the diverging signal and demodulates the data. This approach enhances communication range and stability in environments where signal degradation is a concern. The method may also include adaptive adjustments to the divergence angle based on environmental conditions to optimize performance.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the laser light source includes optical elements that allow control of a light spot size on a surface of the diffuser.
This invention relates to laser-based systems for controlling light distribution, particularly for applications requiring precise illumination control. The problem addressed is the need to adjust the size of a laser light spot on a diffuser surface to optimize light distribution for specific applications, such as display technologies, medical devices, or industrial processes. The invention involves a laser light source equipped with optical elements that enable dynamic adjustment of the light spot size on a diffuser. The diffuser scatters the laser light to create a uniform or patterned illumination output. The optical elements, which may include lenses, mirrors, or beam shaping components, allow precise control over the spot size, enabling optimization of light distribution based on application requirements. This adjustment can be achieved through mechanical movement, electronic tuning, or other means, ensuring flexibility in illumination control. The system may also include feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the spot size in real-time, ensuring consistent performance. The diffuser itself may be designed to further modify the scattered light, such as by diffusing it uniformly or directing it in specific patterns. This invention enhances the versatility of laser-based illumination systems by providing precise control over the light spot size, improving efficiency and adaptability in various applications.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein calculating the PSF based on pixel intensity values of the image via autocorrelation of the pixel intensity values comprises performing autocorrelation of the pixel intensity values in the spatial domain.
The system relates to image processing, specifically to methods for calculating the point spread function (PSF) of an imaging system. The PSF describes how the system blurs a point source of light, which is critical for tasks like deconvolution and image restoration. A key challenge in computing the PSF is accurately capturing the spatial distribution of blur, particularly when working with pixel intensity values from an image. The system addresses this by performing autocorrelation of the pixel intensity values in the spatial domain. Autocorrelation measures the similarity of a signal with a delayed copy of itself, revealing periodic structures or patterns in the data. By applying autocorrelation to pixel intensity values, the system derives the PSF, which represents the system's response to a point source. This approach avoids the need for complex mathematical transformations, such as Fourier transforms, by operating directly in the spatial domain, where pixel values are inherently defined. The system may also include additional components, such as an imaging device to capture the image and a processor to perform the autocorrelation computation. The method ensures that the PSF calculation is computationally efficient and accurate, enabling improved image restoration and analysis in applications like microscopy, astronomy, and medical imaging. The spatial-domain autocorrelation method simplifies the process while maintaining precision in characterizing the imaging system's blur properties.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein calculating the PSF based on pixel intensity values of the image via autocorrelation of the pixel intensity values comprises performing autocorrelation of the pixel intensity values in the frequency domain.
The invention relates to image processing systems that analyze pixel intensity values to calculate a point spread function (PSF) for optical systems. The PSF describes how an optical system blurs a point of light, which is critical for tasks like deconvolution, image restoration, and system calibration. A challenge in computing the PSF is accurately capturing the relationship between pixel intensities and the system's optical behavior, especially in noisy or low-light conditions. The system computes the PSF by performing autocorrelation of pixel intensity values in the frequency domain. Autocorrelation measures the similarity of a signal with a delayed copy of itself, and performing this in the frequency domain leverages Fourier transforms for computational efficiency. This approach avoids direct spatial-domain autocorrelation, which can be computationally intensive and sensitive to noise. By operating in the frequency domain, the system efficiently captures the statistical properties of the image, improving PSF accuracy and robustness. The method is particularly useful in applications like microscopy, astronomy, and medical imaging, where precise optical characterization is essential. The system may also include additional components, such as image acquisition modules and preprocessing steps, to enhance the input data before PSF calculation. The frequency-domain autocorrelation technique ensures reliable PSF estimation even in challenging imaging conditions.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the light source is configured to create a sufficiently large spot of light that generates a required speckle size of the image.
The invention relates to optical systems used in imaging applications, particularly those involving speckle pattern generation. Speckle patterns are random intensity distributions that occur when coherent light, such as laser light, is scattered or reflected from rough surfaces. These patterns are useful in various applications, including optical metrology, imaging, and sensing, but their size and quality depend on the properties of the light source and the optical setup. The system includes a light source that emits coherent light, such as a laser, and an optical arrangement to direct this light onto a target surface. The key innovation is the configuration of the light source to produce a sufficiently large spot of light on the target surface. This large spot ensures that the resulting speckle pattern has the required size for the intended application. The speckle size is determined by factors such as the wavelength of the light, the numerical aperture of the optical system, and the size of the illuminated area. By controlling the spot size, the system can generate speckle patterns with consistent and predictable characteristics, which is critical for applications requiring precise measurements or high-resolution imaging. The system may also include additional components, such as lenses or beam expanders, to adjust the beam diameter and focus the light onto the target. The optical arrangement may further include beam splitters, mirrors, or other elements to direct the light and capture the reflected or scattered light for analysis. The system may be used in applications such as laser speckle contrast imaging, optical coherence tomography, or other techniques where speckle patterns are utilized for measurement or imaging purposes. The ability to control speckle size
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the laser signal is a divergent laser signal.
A system for laser-based applications addresses the challenge of precise beam delivery in environments where beam divergence is critical. The system includes a laser source configured to generate a laser signal, an optical assembly for directing the laser signal, and a control module for adjusting the optical assembly to control the beam's properties. The laser signal is a divergent beam, meaning it spreads out as it propagates, which is useful for applications requiring wide-area illumination or reduced energy density at a target. The optical assembly may include lenses, mirrors, or other components to shape, focus, or redirect the divergent beam. The control module dynamically adjusts the optical assembly to compensate for environmental factors, such as atmospheric conditions or target distance, ensuring consistent beam performance. This system is particularly applicable in fields like remote sensing, laser ranging, or industrial processing where beam divergence must be managed for optimal results. The divergence of the laser signal allows for broader coverage or controlled energy distribution, enhancing versatility in various operational scenarios.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein the light source includes optical elements that allow control of a light spot size on a surface of the diffuser.
A system for controlling light spot size on a diffuser surface is disclosed. The system addresses the challenge of precisely adjusting the illumination area on a diffuser to optimize light distribution for applications such as displays, lighting, or imaging. The light source in this system incorporates optical elements designed to dynamically modify the light spot size projected onto the diffuser. These optical elements may include lenses, apertures, or other optical components that can be mechanically or electronically adjusted to alter the beam divergence or focus. By controlling the spot size, the system enables customization of the illuminated area to match specific requirements, such as uniform lighting, targeted illumination, or variable brightness patterns. The diffuser itself may be a translucent or semi-transparent material that scatters light to create a soft, diffused effect. The optical elements can be integrated into the light source housing or positioned along the optical path to ensure precise control over the light distribution. This system is particularly useful in applications where adaptable lighting conditions are needed, such as in adjustable lighting fixtures, projection systems, or display backlights. The ability to adjust the spot size enhances flexibility and performance in various optical applications.
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August 18, 2021
May 14, 2024
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